Published: March 11, 2004

Microsoft said yesterday that its new SQL database server software and Visual Studio tools for building programs would be delayed until the first half of 2005 to ensure they work right. Microsoft wants to be certain that the software, to be named SQL Server 2005, is a ''quality release,'' and will delay it to issue a third test version in the second half of the year, said Tom Rizzo, product management director for SQL. Product delays are hampering Microsoft's efforts to win more sales of two-year licenses that entitle users to updates, analysts have said. Mr. Rizzo said the delay would not hurt Microsoft's database software sales because SQL Server 2000, released in September 2000, is still selling well.